
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that has orbited Mars for more than a decade.
Maven abruptly stopped communicating to ground stations over the weekend. NASA said this week that it was working fine before it went behind the red planet. When it reappeared, there was only silence.
Launched in 2013, Maven began studying the upper Martian atmosphere and its interaction with the solar wind once reaching the red planet the following year. Scientists ended up blaming the sun for Mars losing most of its atmosphere to space over the eons, turning it from wet and warm to the dry and cold world it is today.
Maven also has served as a communication relay for NASA’s two Mars rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance.
Engineering investigations are underway, according to NASA.
NASA has two other spacecraft around Mars that are still active: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Roche breast cancer pill cuts risk of disease recurrence by 30% in trial10.12.2025 - 2
Executed Iranian nuclear scientist confessed to aiding Israel after torture, threats against mother13.12.2025 - 3
Collierville residents with no power as temperatures plunge29.12.2025 - 4
King Charles III says he is reducing cancer treatment schedule in 202612.12.2025 - 5
All the ways Marjorie Taylor Greene has shifted her approach lately — and why Trump is 'surprised at her'13.11.2025
Pick Your Top Method for starting the Morning
Step by step instructions to Explore the Close to home Consequence of Cellular breakdown in the lungs
Web designers for Independent ventures
Figure out How to Explore Your Direction to the Best Dental Embed Trained professional: A Far reaching Manual
Key Training: Picking a Significant for Monetary Achievement
Gilead's new HIV prevention shot added to CVS's drug coverage lists, CEO says
Ancient fire discovery marks significant milestone in human history
Vote In favor of Your Favored IT Administration
Israeli president concerned over proposed renaming of park












